Gowling WLG‘s ’highly capable, committed and resourceful team‘ has notable sector expertise in a number of key sectors, including automotive, government, food and beverage, energy, and financial services. Senior litigation partner James Sidwell ’has excellent judgement‘; Catherine Naylor is a specialist in multi-jurisdictional matters; and the varied caseload of Andrew Smith, who is ’probably the best all-round litigator around‘, covers contract terminations, economic torts, legal professional privilege, misfeasance, and guarantees/indemnities. At non-partner level, Verity Barker is ’unfailingly thoughtful and completely unflappable‘, while principal associate Tom Cox represents corporate and private clients in commercial disputes. Andrew Litchfield heads up the department from the firm’s Birmingham office.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘On top of the facts and the law, with an analytical approach to advice. Very good at managing difficult clients.’
‘A superb team of solicitors who offer great value for money and an excellent service.’
‘This is a highly capable, committed and resourceful team - but also one that is approachable, practical, and friendly. It is very good at client management, but is also thorough and thoughtful in its approach to the technical detail.’
‘James Sidwell has excellent judgement, works very hard, and is a canny litigator. He is also an insightful adviser who really takes time to understand his clients.'
'Verity Barker is brilliant - she is extremely bright and extremely diligent, but unfailingly thoughtful and completely unflappable.’
'Catherine Naylor - a partner who manages teams beautifully and has a sharp eye for challenging points and how to deal with them.’
‘Andrew Smith is probably the best all-round litigator around. He thinks creatively but is always realistic, with outstanding judgement and an unerring focus on getting the best result possible at the lowest possible cost.'
'Tom Cox is the pick of the associates - utterly reliable and wonderfully personable.’

Key clients

Alpha Whiskey Echo
Aston Martin Lagonda
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
CPC Group
Equity Trust (Jersey)
Financial Reporting Council
GKN
Halfords Autocentres
HCC International Insurance Company
Hyundai Motor UK
London Legacy Development Corporation
E20 Stadium
M Group Holdings
Midcounties Co-Operative
Millbrook Healthcare Bidco
Cairngorm Capital
National Car Parks
Sanctuary Housing
The Royal Parks
THG
VRFB Holdings
Weetabix

Work highlights

Successfully acted for VRFB Holdings (VRFB) in proceedings brought by its joint venture partner, Garnet Commerce, which sought to force VRFB to sell its 50% share for half the market value.
Successfully obtained summary judgment (on behalf of HCC International Insurance Company) in a claim for unilateral mistake rectification brought against it by Caledonian Maritime Assets.
Acting for THG and 14 other respondents in successfully striking out in the Court of Appeal the majority of an unfair prejudice petition.